Get Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Hair in 5 Easy Steps

When it comes to the CFDA Fashion Awards, 2016 nominees Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are pretty much a mainstay. The design duo’s brand, The Row, has been named Womenswear Designer of the Year in both 2012 and 2015, and Accessories Designer of the Year for 2014’s streamlined collection of leather satchels, loafers, and mules. It all comes down to attention to detail that translates from the sister’s fluid, floor-length dresses to the pitch-perfect alligator bag, and equally attentive, beauty calling card—namely that twinning, aspirational blonde hair. For those seeking unfussy strands worthy of an Olsen, the rules of conduct are surprisingly streamlined and require a less-is-more mentality ideal for the summer season. Here, five tips for achieving the ever-relevant textured, piece-y waves—and slick and polished updos—synonymous with the sisters.

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Photo: Getty Images

When it comes to accessories, keep it simple.
Mark Townsend—longtime keeper of the Olsens’ coveted manes—has said that Mary-Kate has a strict five-bobby-pins-or-less rule. Townsend recommends spritzing pins with dry shampoo for extra hold with minimal additions.

Dry shampoo for texture, oil for finish.
Fans of easy routines will be pleased to know that in the case of M-K and A, minimalist hair means minimal products. For layered texture and a matte finish, Townsend relies on Dove’s Dry Shampoo, its beach-y feel best balanced by an application of oil—like this Olsen-approved DIY remedy—on the ends for cuticle protection and subtle shine.

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Photo: AKM-GSI

Air-dry only.
Blow-dryers, begone: If you want natural texture, let your hair dry naturally. The twins have been known to exit their Manhattan apartments with damp hair, a look that’s less of a statement and more of a styling method. After all, these are smart, busy, effortlessly chic career women—who has time for a blowout? We imagine that their unfussy waves dry to perfection by lunch.

Get your hair out of your eyes.
Surprisingly, the Olsens’ ultimate hair rule comes courtesy of their father. “Our dad always told us to wear our hair off of our faces,” said Ashley in a recent interview. “I always thought that was pretty good advice.” Low knots, half-up styles, and behind-the-ear tucks are all favorites of the twins.

Loose and bohemian or slicked back and modern—there is no in between.
When the Olsens aren’t sporting the bohemian waves and mussed, relaxed knots for which they are best known (see: the Met Gala 2016 red carpet), their hair is slicked back in a supremely polished guise. It’s basically the opposite of their standard style: gelled, sleek, and modern, a perfect shortcut style for growing out lengths.